In 2011,
we brought a once in a lifetime opportunity to record with legendary music
producer Don Was in Gimme the Gig II.
But we
didn’t stop there — Ford also invited “Mad” Mike Martin of “Pimp My Ride” to
build a fully functional, state-of-the-art mobile recording studio in an
all-new 2012 Ford Focus. The Focus Mobile Recording Studio represented a
convergence of new digital technology and functional design, where the whole is
truly greater than the sum of its parts. With the hottest mobile recording
studio in town, the gig was on.
Offering
the opportunity to participate in Gimme
the Gig II Focus Tour events and a chance to compete for one of three
recording sessions with Mr. Don Was himself, in the Ford Focus Mobile Studio, brought overwhelming and
enthusiastic response from independent musicians and bands across the country.
2012 Ford Focus
Hottest Mobile Recording Studio in Town
The Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour rocked the
independent music scene from sunny San Diego, California, to mile-high Denver,
Colorado. Musicians representing a variety of genres came together in one of
the biggest independent blowouts since the original Gimme the Gig.
Checkpoint Charlie is ripping up the stage at the Citadel
The Shed House Bluegrass Band going country in the city at Fiesta on the Hill
Sheriff helps with sound check at Cerritos
Our very own Sam rocking it out
"Mad" Mike unveiling the Ford Focus Mobile Recording Studio
Tom Grill, Don Was, Krish Sharma at a performance
Fans and
judges were challenged with selecting a few top bands that would perform for Don Was
himself, and a chance to record with the legend in the Focus Mobile Recording Studio. All of the artists displayed
tremendous talent, but only three could have a chance at this opportunity of a
lifetime.
Rachel Wong
Aside Oceans
Lost in Atlantis
Halocene
HARGO
Pullman Standard
Eyeshine
Carson Henley
Bop Skizzum
Rachel and the Kings
Josh Blackburn
HARGO from San Diego, Eyeshine from Los Angeles, and Rachel and the Kings from Denver were
offered an amazing opportunity to record with Don Was in the Ford Focus Mobile Studio and be featured
in a 3 part KTLA TV special. Did you miss it? Check out their performances by
clicking below.
The Gimme the Gig II team would like to give
special thanks to Don Was, Tom Grill, Krish Sharma, Daryl Kinson, “Mad” Mike
and Galpin Auto Sports for coming together to make all of this possible. We also
want to send a huge shout out to all the bands and fans that have been a part
the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour from
the beginning.
Thank
you all for an amazing ride!
Interested in future Gimme the Gig
events? Visit www.gimmethegig.com and sign up to receive news about future
events.
Each week, we will be profiling one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don Was!
This week we had the chance to catch up with Denver artist Josh Blackburn.
Originally from Jackson, Mississippi; Josh Blackburn is one of the only two solo artists that have the opportunity to play in front of Don Was in Gimme the Gig II. His style combines a mixture of classic rock, adult contemporary and an occasional outburst of trippy guitar effects. Josh Blackburn compliments his skillful guitar-playing with a rich gravelly voice that’s always in control – showing he’s worth his weight as a solo musician. With four self-recorded and produced albums, this is one solo artist you wouldn’t want to miss.
Josh Blackburn
Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you didn't know about Josh Blackburn!
GTG: Where was your live performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour?
Josh: Mine was in downtown Denver, at the Taste of Colorado.
GTG: Did you get the chance to sit and try out the new Ford Focus there? What was your favorite feature of the Focus?
Josh: I really like the gas mileage, I travel quite a bit and it would save me a lot of money.
GTG: What is one thing about you we would never guess?
Josh: I don’t like to wear shorts or short sleeve shirts, ever, no matter what. I have a thing that I just don’t feel comfortable in shorts or short sleeve shirts.
GTG: How did you decide to use your real name vs. a stage name as a musician?
Josh: It’s just the fact that Josh Blackburn is kind of a good stage name; my Mom did really good with that. Plus, it’s kind of like homage to my parents.
GTG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you on stage?
Josh: I have gotten to a show and realized that I have no guitar. I had to go home and get it and then end up playing late.
GTG: What’s the hardest thing about being an independent artist?
Josh: The hardest thing about it is how much you have to market yourself and work extremely hard to get radio play. Unless you have a large financial backing, it’s very hard to market yourself. Getting yourself played on a national radio station is pretty much undoable as an independent artist unless you have someone paying the stations to play your songs.
GTG: What’s your favorite thing to eat for dinner on the road?
Josh: I really like chicken wings a lot after a show. Never before a show, though – I don’t eat before a show.
GTG: Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Josh: Buying guitars! I have a fascination with guitars and beautiful wooden objects. (laughs)
GTG: What “inconvenient truths” does the independent scene not want the general public to know?
Josh: How hard it is to make money as an independent artist. Everything is flipped upside down; you have to pay to play for exposure. For certain venues, you have to pay to play there. You spend money to play at cool place just for your resume, and a lot of people don’t understand that.
GTG: What’s on the horizon for Josh Blackburn?
Josh: I just released my 3rd album and I play 8 shows a week right now; I keep myself completely busy. My short term goal would be for people outside the state of Colorado to hear my music.
Check out Josh Blackburn’s video message to Gimme the Gig and his fans below!
Make sure to check out his 4th album “Purple Elephant” available soon.
Each week, we will be profiling
one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don
Was!
This week we had the chance to
catch up with Rachel James!
Originally from Denver, Colorado,
Rachel
James played piano and sang for her family and friends as a child. She enjoyed
the performances and music evolved into an everyday pulse of her life. Now, as
Rachel pursues a career as a musician, she makes her mark with lyric-driven
songs. Her lyrics are authentic, genuine, and brutally honest. Unwilling to
write about anything she doesn’t feel, Rachel James opens her heart to her fans
and creates truly emotional pieces filled with joy and sorrow.
Rachel James
Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you
didn't know about Rachel James!
GTG: Where was your live
performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour?
Rachel: It was in Denver, Colorado.
GTG: While you were in
Denver, did you get the chance to sit
and try out the new Ford Focus?
Rachel: I didn’t get a chance to sit inside of it, but I took a
really good look at it and it’s beautiful; I love it. My Grandpa worked for
Ford forever and loved the company so we always had Ford cars. The self-parking
feature is definitely something I need in my life. (laughs)
GTG: What is one thing about
you we would never guess?
Rachel: When I first started putting my band together, I found two
of my members on craigslist; which is a really odd way of finding great
musicians, but it worked!
GTG: Seeing that you named
your band after yourself; if you had to name it something else what would it be?
Rachel: I really like the band name “Lost Things” and any name
with the word “West” in it; because I really love the word.
GTG: What’s themost embarrassing thing that ever happened
to you on stage?
Rachel: I had an old guitar player in my band that accidently
unplugged himself and played half a show not plugged in. The sound booth guy
eventually came out on stage and told us. It was so embarrassing. (laughs)
GTG: Do you or your band have
any conspiracy theories?
Rachel: There’s 1 person in my band who has these crazy theories about
people in the entertainment industry who get chosen to be the most popular
people by a secret society group. We can never tell if he is joking or not.
(laughs)
GTG: Would you rather be
rich or famous because of your music and why?
Rachel: I can’t speak for the rest of my band but I would like a viable
income. The famous part of it actually seems like a pain in the butt. My goal
is a stable income so I can focus on my music.
GTG: Do you have a favorite independent band other than
yourself?
Rachel: I really love this band that’s from San Diego, CA called “Dirty
Sweet”. They make me happy, they are awesome!
GTG: What country would you
most want to perform live in other than the US?
Rachel: I would love to perform in England. The British have a great
music sensibility; they are constantly putting out bands and people whose music
I love. Also I am a history nerd and would love to visit for the history.
GTG: How did you start
working with producer Joey Barba (Tickle me Pink)?
Rachel: He came and played on a song of mine called “Save Yourself”
about a year ago. We just started writing songs together and I came to really
appreciate how talented and how capable he is on the production end. So now we
are working together on my new album.
Check out a video message from Rachel James to Gimme the Gig and
her fans!
Make sure to check out her album “Rachel & The Kings”
available fall, 2012.
Each week, we will be profiling
one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don
Was!
This week we had the chance to
catch up with Bop Skizzum members Andy and Serafin.
Originally from Denver, Colorado,
Bop Skizzum takes full advantage of the fact that music has the power to get people
dancing. Gathering inspiration from every corner of the record store, the
band meshes their alternative pop rock vibe with groove-based funk, rock, and
dance music to create an invigorating blend of unique instrumentation with
phenomenal vocals to complete their sound. To truly
experience Bop Skizzum, just sit back, get strapped in & enjoy
the ride!
Bop Skizzum
Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you
didn't know about Bop Skizzum!
GTG: Where was your live performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus
Tour?
Serafin: It was last summer in Denver at the Taste of Colorado.
GTG: While you guys were there, did you get the chance to sit and
try out the new Ford Focus?
Andy: Yes, it was awesome. The best feature was definitely the
Auto Parking (Active Park Assist). If I had money I would totally buy it.
Serafin: There are some geniuses that designed that car.
GTG: What is one thing about your band we would never guess?
Andy: We listen to a lot of different kinds of music; Indie Rock,
Metal, R&B, Soul, Pop. Our range of music listening is pretty wide.
GTG: How did you guys come up with the name of your band?
Serafin: Andy came up with the name; Bop Skizzum, 11 years ago
when the band first started. It’s onomatopoeia, kind of like Bill Cosby’s type of
speech. It doesn’t relate to a specific kind of music which is nice for us
because we play a lot of different things. It’s more like a vibe.
GTG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to your
band on stage?
Serafin: We played a huge show up at Colorado State University in
Fort Collins, CO; our old lead singer accidentally announced the rival school’s
name and we got booed by 3000 people. (laughs) But the show went well after
that, so it’s all good.
GTG: What’s the hardest thing about being in an independent band?
Serafin: The hardest thing would be trying to mix the business
aspects of what you are doing with the artistic aspects of what you are doing,
and trying to make both of those things really effective.
GTG: Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Andy: Chocolate little donuts from gas stations and Julie likes
the powder ones.
Serafin: Hostess cherry pies.
GTG: What’s your band’s favorite album of all time?
Serafin: Thriller! The songs are amazing, production is amazing
and it’s just a legend.
GTG: Any words of wisdom to other inspiring musicians?
Serafin: At the end of day, it all comes down to your craft. Just be
the best in the planet at whatever skills you are going to be professionally.
Andy: Decide what you are; are you an awesome guitar player who happens
to be a mechanic, or are you an awesome mechanic who happens to play the
guitar. Never give up!
GTG: There are some pretty awesome skating pictures on your
Facebook page; are you guys full-time musicians and part-time skaters?
Andy: Actually, we were just messing around at a photo shoot with skateboards;
it was a super fun shoot. We were just trying to be cool for a day. (laughs)
Check out a video message from Bop Skizzum to Gimme the Gig and
their fans!
Make sure to check out their newest single “Still Time” available
now.
Each week, we will be profiling
one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don
Was!
This week we had the chance to
catch up with Carson Henley.
Originally from Kent, Washington;
Carson Henley comes from a family full of diverse musical interests. From his grandparents’
oldies to his mom’s soul music and his dad’s classic rock collections; Carson
embraced the varying musical influences of his family and combined them into
his own unique blend of soul rock with just a hint of classic oldies. With the
increasing pace of today’s mainstream music, it is refreshing; to say the
least, to see a young soul rock artist who can slow it down a bit.
Carson Henley
Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you
didn't know about Carson Henley!
GTG: Where was your live performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus
Tour?
Carson: It was in Seattle on top of a parking garage in downtown
during a parade.
GTG: Did you get the chance to sit and try out the new Ford Focus?
Carson: I got a chance to sit in it; it was a really nice car. I
like the look of the interior and the sound system.
GTG: What is one thing about you we would never guess?
Carson: I chip my teeth all the time. I chipped it a week ago on a
microphone; I chipped it yesterday playing basketball, so I am going to have
two fillings in a week. (laughs)
GTG: Why did you decide to use your real name instead of a stage
name for your band?
Carson: Sometimes, a stage name fits a persona on stage better. But
I am just me on stage, and I am not a good actor. I just play music and try to
play it the way I feel it, so I guess that’s why I never thought about changing
my name.
GTG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you
on stage?
Carson: I was playing in a show where I was supposed to go out
into the crowd. I caught my foot on a mic cord and fell down all the way down the
stairs! Luckily, I stood right back up, but it was pretty embarrassing.
GTG: As a singer, who are your biggest inspirations?
Carson: I grew up listening to old Motown soul records from my mom,
and classic rock from my dad. But as a whole I really gravitate towards soul
music like Stevie Wonder, James Morrison (current) and Adele.
GTG: What’s your favorite thing to eat for dinner on the road?
Carson: My perfect meal would be a pizza, chocolate chip and peanut
butter cookies, and Jameson with ginger.
GTG: What “inconvenient truths” does the independent scene not
want the general public to know?
Carson: The independent scene is a double edge sword; it’s hard to
compete with the mainstream artists without money, but unfortunately, if you are
independent, you don’t make much money. So it’s going to be a long and arduous
road.
GTG: What country would you most want to perform live in other
than US?
Carson: I have a large fan base in the UK so I would love to play
in London. But I am also an Italian, so I would love to play in Rome, Italy as
well.
GTG: Sounds like you parents have major musical backgrounds, can
you tell me a bit more about them?
Carson: My mom was a singer in a band, and my dad is a massive
music fan. I grew up not allowed to listen to radio, and I could only listen to
whatever my parents listened to and that has had a fundamental impact on my
musical styles.
Check out a video message from Carson Henley to Gimme the Gig and
his fans!
Make sure to check out his album “100 Hours” available June, 2012.
Each week, we will be profiling
one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don
Was!
This week we had the chance to
catch up with Eyeshine members Maurice, Johnny, Polo and Crystal.
Originally from Los Angeles,
California, Eyeshine found success with a unique blend of pop punk and post
grunge; called edge rock. Just like their genre suggests, Eyeshine members are
edgy rock artists that personify the struggles of an independent band.
Self-recorded and produced 8 albums thus far, Eyeshine lives by the band motto
“Never Give Up” every day, and continues to produce authentic and edgy sounds
for their loyal fan followings. With such dedication and commitment in their
music; it’s no wonder Eyeshine landed a spot in our top 12 bands.
Eyeshine
Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you didn't
know about Eyeshine!
GTG: Where was your live
performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour?
Maurice: It was at the Lobster fest at San Pedro, California.
GTG: Did you get the chance
to sit and try out the Ford Focus while you guys were there? What is your
favorite feature of the Focus?
Crystal: We did sit in it and it was amazing!
Maurice: I love the sun roof, because I like sticking my head out
of it. (laughs)
GTG: What is one thing about
one of you that your fans would never guess?
Maurice: Johnny, our front man, used to be a Power Ranger; he was
the black one.
GTG: How did you guys come
up with the name for your band?
Johnny: I was watching Crocodile
Hunter, and he (late Steve Irwin) was at a lake late at night with a
lantern and he said (in Australian accent) “You got to look for the eye shine!”
And it just stuck in my head and we went from there.
GTG: What’s the most
embarrassing thing that ever happened to you on stage and/or on tour in
general?
Maurice: We were playing at the Trocadero in Philly and the other
band before us let us use their drum set. I nicked my middle knuckle while
playing because I wasn’t use to the setup, and I ended up bleeding all over
this guy’s drums by the time we finished our set.
GTG: Who were your biggest
inspirations as a band in the beginning of your career?
Maurice: Part of it is our instrumental background. But I think
our lyrics and emotions come from our experiences; the good and the bad, and our
whole struggle as an independent band.
GTG: Would you guys rather
be rich and unknown or famous and poor and why?
Crystal: Well, rich and unknown sounds pretty nice because we are
already poor…
Johnny: …and unknown. (laughs)
GTG: Any of you guys have any
guilty pleasures on the road?
Crystal: I don’t think the guys know this but when we are in the
van, I like to pick my nose and put my boogers on the sides; it’s a tradition
of mine.
GTG: Any words of wisdom to
other inspiring musicians?
Polo: Be yourself and just keep going!
Maurice: Be realistic with your music and listen to professional
bands and compare yourself to them.
Johnny: Record yourself often, try to fix what sounds uncool and
fix it.
Crystal: Practice everything in the book; melodies, scales and
just try to make yourself the best.
GTG: What’s on the horizon
for Eyeshine?
Maurice: We are releasing our new album called “Revolution Airwaves”
soon. We also have an Eyeshine DVD on its way and the teaser is available on
our YouTube Channel.
Check out a video message from Eyeshine to Gimme the Gig and their
fans!
Make sure to check out their 8th album “Revolution
Airwaves” available soon.
Each week, we will be profiling
one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don
Was!
This week we had the chance to
catch up with Lost in Atlantis members Liz, Eric and Tim.
Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, the
members of Lost in Atlantis (LIA) are as unique as their fan base, which LIA
refers to as their “Little Evil Alien Bunnies.” Formed in 2008, LIA embodies an
entirely modern genre of music – Rocktronica. This genre was defined by their fans,
encompassing LIA’s style that combines catchy rock riffs and rhythmic pop
sounds complemented by electronic dance synths. LIA works hard every day to
produce fresh and unique pieces that continue to distinguish them in the
Rocktronica world.
Lost in Atlantis
Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you
didn't know about Lost in Atlantis!
GTG: Where was your live
performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour?
Liz: We played at the Cerritos mall in Anaheim, California; but we
are from Arizona, so we had to drive all the way out there.
GTG: While you guys were
there, did you get the chance to sit and try out the Ford Focus?
Liz: Heck ya we did! It was awesome; the guy (professional stunt
driver) took us on a spin around the track, it was so scary but so much fun. He
also showed us how the car parks itself, which is really cool because I can’t
parallel park. (laughs)
GTG: What is one thing about
you guys that your fans would never guess?
Eric: Liz is diabetic.
Tim: Me and Eric are brothers!
GTG: How did you guys come
up with the name for your band?
Liz: An alien came down and told us to name our band Lost in
Atlantis!
Tim: Well, Liz was just watching Discovery Channel and she saw a
special on Atlantis. So she came back and said “how about we throw in a lost in
there.” And that was pretty much it. (laughs)
GTG: What’s the most
embarrassing thing that ever happened to you on stage?
Liz : We had a show, and Eric put a fake mustache on my back, and
it looked like I had huge hairy mole on my back throughout the whole show.
GTG: What’s LIA’s favorite
thing to eat for dinner on the road?
Liz: Anything and everything, we learned not to be picky, so whatever
they give us. Oh In-and-Out!
Eric: Avoid beans and taco!
GTG: What’s your favorite album
of all time as a band?
Liz: Born Slave by Lady GaGa. (laughs)
GTG: Any guilty pleasures?
Liz: I love WOW (World of Warcraft)! Yeah I am a nerd. I had to
stop because I got sucked into it and it consumed my life, and I stopped
playing music. It’s such a wonderful game.
GTG: What country would you
most want to perform live in other than US?
Liz: Is the Moon a country? (laughs) Yes, definitely the Moon.
Eric: Or any other planets because it’s revolutionary! Ahh see
what I did there!
GTG: How does it work out
with 2 brothers (Eric/Tim) in the same band? Are there any friendly rivalries?
Eric: Basically, I control everything, so there’s no rivalry. I am
also better looking.
Tim: I agree.
Check out a video message from Lost in Atlantis to Gimme the Gig
and their fans!
Make sure to check out their debut album “Silent World” available
now!
